AUDIO: Zack Reed talks about OVI conviction

3 years ago

(Cleveland) - Cleveland City Councilman Zack Reed has been found guilty in his OVI case.

The jury of four men and four women handed down the decision Tuesday afternoon. The prosecution presented its case Friday and the defense presented its side Monday.

The jury deliberated about six hours.

Reed was arrested March 5 at the intersection of East 9th Street and Rockwell Avenue after he failed to stop at a red light and made an improper turn. He refused to take a breath test.

Reed said that his use of Listerine is what officers smelled.

It is the third time Reed has been convicted of driving under the influence. He was previously convicted in 2005 and 2008.

In an interview with Reed he told WTAM news that although he's disappointed in the verdict, he feels he had a fair trial. Reed says he's aware he has an alcohol problem and has reached out to doctors at the Cleveland Clinic for treatment.

Reed will be sentenced on September 5th. He spoke to Newsradio WTAM 1100's Julie Courtright Tuesday night. He admitted he has a problem and is reaching out to Cleveland Clinic for treatment.